§ Mr. KELLYasked the Secretary of State for War the numbers of civilians employed by the War Office in establishments abroad in March, 1914, 1928, and 1929?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSIt is regretted that, owing to the lapse of time and consequent destruction of documents, it is not possible to state how many civilians were actually employed by the War Department in establishments abroad in March, 1914. Figures regarding numbers actually employed in March, 1928 and 1929, could only be ascertained by inquiry of each of the stations concerned, as the numbers fluctuate in accordance with the requirements of the service, and in certain cases it is left to the local military authorities to engage labour sufficient to cope with the work in 21W hand within the amount of money authorised for that purpose.